Excelsior Springs Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize recently held a workshop to discuss strategies for individuals to appreciate and get involved in their neighborhoods through resources provided by the Hopeful Neighborhood Project. The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, a collaborative network committed to improving neighborhoods, is an online resource to pursue the common good among like-minded people to create collaboration, creative thinking, imagination and hard work throughout communities. “The Good Neighborhood Project defines neighborhoods as a geologically localized area characterized by a shared sense of boundaries among U.S. residents,” said Mize. “The hopeful neighborhood is one where people work together to pursue neighborhood wellbeing at the highest form of common good.” She explained there are two ways to appreciate and improve neighborhoods, including a deficit-based approach as well as an asset- based approach. The deficit-based approach is driven by the idea that…